The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1887-10-07

cited, and In many cases bring the revolver
Into reQuisition to warn fntruden on. What
the outcome will be 10 hard to say at present;
but 1t is claimed by good legal authority that
unless the Northern Pacific company purchases
reverts back to the government It is to be
hoped that Ematters will be 80 adjusted
that those now holding the land will be re-
munerated for 1t should they loose II, and that
the Gsose River valley will not be the scene
OF any bloodshed in consequence thereof.
[From the Hillsboro Banner.I
It is said that Is, 600 feet Of lumber were sold
in Mayville, Thursday morning, to squatters
hour. A portion Of the city Of Mayville itself
is subject to pre-emption under the order.
However strong the belief that the Northern
Pacific has been dealt with too generously by
the government 1t Is an unquestlonable fact
that purchasers Of these indemnity lands ought
it would be vastly better just now for Trail
county II all Of the big farms we're cut up ard
occupied by small farmers, but these same b e
farmers were the ones who first demonstrated
the proftableness Of Dakota farming. A care
ful reading Of the order which we print re-
some of the difficulties in the way Of acquiring
rights. II the railway company could be COM
PEELED to make good every dollar expended In
improvements and investments by innocent
purchasers the situation would be vastly i'm
proved. As 1t is there is heap of trouble on
hand for owners Of these lands and lot Of
litigation for both parties.
We understand that in some instances squat
ters are attempting to make improvements on
the Northern Pacific Railway company's lands
and think 1t advisable as matter of precau-
tion for them to look the matter up carefully
before spending their money. As we under
stand the matter, parties rendering a filing,
practically acquire no rights, but simply put
themselves In a position Of litigation, as we
are informed 1t is to be the policy Of the North
ern Pacific Railway company to bring suit at
once against all parties who trespass In any
way upon their indemnity lands.
From the Bismarck Tribunel
The instructions Of the secretary of the inte-
rior relative to the opening for settlement Of
another column this morning, are worthy Of
careful reading and much consideration. 1t is
evident that the department has decided that
these lands shall be left at the disposal Of the
settler, and that vast amount OF land which
has heretofore been considered the property Of
the railroad company is now a part Of the public
domain subject to settlement without land G. ant
restrictions. Just what the attitude Of the
Northern Pacific will be In the matter, time
alone can tell, but it is believed that the CON-
pany will make strong fight to retain the
land, at least 80 far as is necessary to protect
purchasers that the decision might affect their
title, and those who have made application for
desirable tracts have had occasion to tremble
lest the same should be wrested from
them. In all probability this fear is unf0unded,
for as will be seen by the instructions, the
approved selections are not subject to the
general provisions Of the decision and will not
be disturbed. It Is very likely that all lands
sold by the company or covered by application
have been selected" by the company, and the
selection approved by the secretary. However
this may be, a vast amount of land is virtually
taken from the company aud placed under tho
general provisions Of land laws, to be sold to
settlers for $1.26 per acre instead Of g. 80, the
price charged within the land grant. 1t is the
most important step taken by the department
for years, and while 1t may preclpitate much
| litigation, it will prove of great benefit to the
country. The settler need not fear, for while
| he Is acting under instructions from the gov
| ernment the government will protect him, and
| whatever the outcome may be his rights will
he respected. 1t means hundreds Of additional
settlers and homes for the Northern Pacific
country, and will eventually prove of benefit
to the road and to every town and city on the line
In fact, II the government could wipe out the
entire land grant at the present time and place
a settler on every Quartar section of land
| now vacant, it would advance the country ten
years and make the Northern Pacific the great
eat and most prosperous railroad on the conti-
/